Introduction To Training

Topper TrainingSailing clubs around the country run ISA and RYA Summer training courses in which 'levels' are obtained, but the path to competent racing and sailing is greatly facilitated by further training and coaching. This can be available on almost a year-round basis.There are three levels of Topper training; Club training, Class training and ISA/RYA training.

Club TrainingMost sailors start their Topper sailing at Club level and this is the mainstay of all sailing. Club training is arranged at local level, usually by parent members of that Club. The availability and frequency of Club training will greatly depend on the number of Topper sailors interested in training in that club. For those who are members of smaller clubs, it may be possible to create links with a neighbouring club, and to combine resources. The Topper Association has details of Topper coaches interested in helping with training at club level. A simple way to start is to identify 6-7 sailors in your club, or between two neighbouring clubs, and arrange some training days with a specific coach, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. In addition to strategy and tactics, these sessions can concentrate on boat-handling and speed. For any sailor/parent/club interested in developing a Club-based Topper training programme, further information can be sought from a member of the Topper Committee.

Topper Class Training. The RYA/ISA arranges Open Training on a number of weekends throughout the year. These are usually 2-day sessions (Saturday & Sunday), occurring on two or three weekends between October and Christmas, and 2 or 3 weekends between Christmas and early summer. These training sessions are advertised on the Internet and usually an email will also be sent to all members ( if you are not receiving emails, please notify topwebmaster.irl@gmail.com with your contact details). These sessions attract sailors from all over the country. Training includes shore-based theory, and practical on-the-water coaching. The coaches include the entire group of mixed abilities for some modules, and the sailors may be divided into smaller groups based on ability for other modules. Both local and international coaches are actively involved in this programme.